Lebanon: Protesters defy police brutality

A Lebanese demonstrator tries to stop the police in Beirut. Lebanese people are still gathering to protest against the garbage crisis in Beirut, calling for the resignation of the government. [Diego Ibarra Sanchez/MeMo]

Beirut, Lebanon - Lebanese police pushed back protesters with clubs and sticks, and arrested dozens of people in downtown Beirut on Wednesday - the latest confrontations this city has seen over the country's summer trash crisis.

A second session of national dialogue, bringing together the country's politicians from across the divide, got underway in an effort to reach an agreement on key issues that have brought the country to a standstill.

Protesters from the "You Stink" citizens' group said that 40 people had been detained and several others were injured on Wednesday afternoon as police rushed the crowd, beating several people with batons.

"You Stink", along with thousands of other Lebanese citizens in recent week, has been protesting against government corruption and political dysfunction amid a rubbish collection crisis.

A Lebanese protester yells at policemen. Running street clashes between riot police and anti-government activists in downtown Beirut on Wednesday have overshadowed a fresh round of National Dialogue. [Diego Ibarra Sanchez/MeMo]

At least 20 protesters were injured by riot police. Some 38 activists, including key organisers in the 'You Stink' group, were detained during the scuffles. [Diego Ibarra Sanchez/MeMo]

Riot police beat activists on the streets of Beirut. The 'You Stink' group, along with thousands of other Lebanese civilians, has staged anti-government street rallies since last month over trash crisis and corruption. [Diego Ibarra Sanchez/MeMo]

Wounded protesters were wheeled away on stretchers in Beirut. The uncollected trash crisis in Beirut has ignited the largest protests in the country in years. [Diego Ibarra Sanchez/MeMo]

Activists waited for the release of their comrades in Gemeizy. By evening, dozens gathered outside government offices, demanding the release of those detained. According to members of the 'You Stink' group, 40 people had been arrested. [Diego Ibarra Sanchez/MeMo]

Activists asked for the release of their comrades in Gemeizy police station. The arrests came after riot police dispersed protesters. [Diego Ibarra Sanchez/MeMo]

A Lebanese activist crying after she was released from prison. The arrests came after riot police dispersed protesters using batons outside the An-Nahar newspaper building, dragging a number of them by their hair and kicking them while on the ground. [Diego Ibarra Sanchez/MeMo]

Lebanese anti-government protesters burned garbage on the barbed wire barrier during a protest. Thousands of Lebanese have taken part in demonstrations over the past two weeks. [Diego Ibarra Sanchez/MeMo]

An anti-government street rally broke out following the release of imprisoned activists. The arrests came after riot police dispersed protesters during the second session of national dialogue. [Diego Ibarra Sanchez/MeMo]

Lebanese police pushed back protesters with clubs and sticks and arrested dozens of people in downtown Beirut on Wednesday. [Diego Ibarra Sanchez/MeMo]

Candles in front of the barbed wire barrier in front of the parliamentary house in downtown Beirut. Lebanon's waste crisis began in July, when the country's largest landfill Naameh closed without the government finding an alternative location. [Diego Ibarra Sanchez/MeMo]